The Port of Portland's Internship Program is designed to give students an opportunity to apply their classroom education to real-life situations, and to develop the skills and work experience that will enhance their competitiveness for future employment opportunities.

The Port helps enrolled students who are pursuing a degree or attending related classes at an accredited high school, college or university get an early start on their careers by providing on-the-job work experience.

The Port offers opportunities in a wide range of disciplines including business, finance, transportation and landuse planning, -public affairs, legal, engineering, construction and information technology. Generally, internships are for 12-month periods, with the student working full time during the summer and part time during the school year.

Support and Mentoring

Interns receive professional support, leadership, training and development from corporate mentors. As interns perform job assignments they will receive guidance and feedback on work activities. This process is intended to provide the interns with an opportunity to learn from their supervisors' experiences and to share ideas about specific job assignments.

Eligibility and Requirements

A student must be enrolled in school during the term of employment. If school is not in session (for example, during summer term), the student must be enrolled in classes the following term. Confirmation of enrollment or a letter of intent to enroll must be provided. A minimum of a 2.5 grade point average and continued enrollment in classes pertinent to the internship must be maintained.

Salary

Interns are paid an hourly wage that corresponds to, and is commensurate with, their year in school (i.e., a college senior is paid more than a college junior). The salary range for the internship program is reviewed and adjusted annually, to ensure that it remains competitive and continues to attract and retain quality individuals.

Applications and Process

Applications are only accepted for open positions. Typically, recruitment begins in the spring for internships which open in the summer, although opportunities can become available throughout the year.